The new FX series "Fargo," inspired by the Coen Brothers' movie, debuted Tuesday night. Though it features a new story and new characters, the TV "Fargo" captures the distinctive tone of the movie, with its small-town Minnesota setting, folksy accents, deadpan humor and dead people.

I liked it (here's my review.) And pretty much everyone else did, too, as "Fargo" -- developed for TV and executive produced and written by Noah Hawley -- is one of the best-reviewed TV shows of the year.

Eric Deggans of NPR wrote: "With new characters and stories piled onto a setting and culture fans
already love, you get all the nostalgia of a remake with the creative
juice of an original work."

Mary McNamara, of The Los Angeles Times, wrote: "Neither prequel, sequel or remake, this 'Fargo' is instead a tonal
accompaniment, a little more than kin, a little less than kind and a
whole new breed of television."

In USA Today, Robert Bianco wrote: "If you love the Coen brothers' films, you may be disappointed to learn
that they're not actively involved in the day-to-day creation of the
show. But they have put their names on it as producers, and you can see
why: Hawley has channeled their style in a way that works as a tribute
without coming across as cheap imitation. Hawley's Fargo is something all its own, and yet something equally wonderful."

There's a lot to like, from Hawley's clever script, and splendid performances by Billy Bob Thornton as Lorne Malvo, a roving killer-for-hire, and Martin Freeman ("Sherlock") a Lester Nygaard, an insurance salesman who crosses paths with Malvo.

Did you watch? What did you think? By all means, vote in our poll, and share comments.